Waging The War On Terror: In Search of the Fundamental Rights of a Boko Haram Child-Soldier and the Need for an Independent Human Rights Institution for Children in Nigeria

"Wars have always victimised children and other non- combatants, but modern wars are exploiting, maiming and killing children more callously then ever” Over time, the protection of children in armed conflicts had made... [ view full abstract ]

"Wars have always victimised children and other non- combatants, but modern wars are exploiting, maiming and killing children more callously then ever”

Over time, the protection of children in armed conflicts had made tremendous progress as violations of children’s rights are seen to be addressed after the war or conflict as part of international crime. It has become evident also these conflicts have become part of the daily existence of children found within that area of conflict. Vast literature has shown the roles of international human rights and humanitarian institutions in peace building, however their contribution in the protection of the rights of the child in armed conflict remains unexplored.
Drawing on the prevailing circumstance in Nigeria, this research investigates on the rights of the child in Nigeria vis- a- vis the conflict in North Eastern Nigeria between the Boko Haram insurgents and the government of Nigeria.

The research seeks to investigate the role of the government in protecting the rights of children despite the fact that such children have become insurgent child-soldiers and the need to encourage independent human rights institutions in protection the rights of children during and after conflicts

The research seeks to add to the already existing wealth of knowledge on the rights of the child in situations of war, more emphatically the rights of a child who is a principal actor in terrorism and one who has committed acts described as terrorist acts with particular focus on Nigeria and the Boko Haram situation. The Children who are saved from captivity should not be derided by the authority and by extension the society. They should not be put on trial, rather, mechanisms should be put in place to help them back into the society with a view to making them responsible citizens and individuals.